The Mekong Development Project seeks the comprehensive development of the water resources of the Lower Mekong Basin, including mainstream and tributaries, in respect of hydroelectric power, irrigation, flood control, drainage, navigation improvement, watershed management, water supply and related developments, for the benefit of all the people of the Basin, without distinction as to nationality, religion or politics.

The Mekong Project is directed by the Committee for Coordination of Investigations of the Lower Mekong Basin, established in 1957 by the Governments of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and the Republic of Viet-Nam in response to a recommendation adopted by ECAFE at its Thirteenth Session in March of that year.